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What is an online master’s in architecture degree?

An online master’s in architecture is a graduate-level degree that can help prepare you to pursue your license so you may begin work as a licensed architect. There are a number of different areas of specialization you can choose from, such as general architecture, interior architecture, design studies, and landscape architecture. Some master’s programs may offer an Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure (IPAL), which streamlines the licensure process by enabling students to complete their academics and complete the Architectural Experience Program (AXP) simultaneously. Many universities offer National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB)-accredited graduate degrees, which is required in many jurisdictions. Most programs take three years to complete, but can vary depending on the program; successful graduates may also qualify to sit for the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) immediately upon completion.

Two online master’s in architecture tracks

Students may have to complete prerequisites prior to enrolling in a master's program. However, there may be multiple tracks available to them with different sets of requirements. Set by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), this depends on the type of master's program an institution is offering:

Pre-professional-plus: Students must hold a pre-professional degree in architecture or related field before admission to the graduate program. As a result, students will have to take less credits compared to a student taking a non-pre professional degree.

Non-pre professional degree-plus: Students must hold an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution before admission to the graduate degree program. They will be required to complete additional credits in comparison to students who hold a pre-professional degree in architecture or related field.

Admission requirements for an online master’s degree in architecture

Admission requirements for an online master’s in architecture will vary between schools. More competitive programs may require that applicants have completed a number of foundational courses. You should expect to be asked to provide the following:

• A bachelor’s degree in architecture of design from an accredited institution

• Prerequisite coursework

• Official undergraduate transcripts

• Essay

• Portfolio

• Letter of recommendation

• Current résumé or CV

Ensure that the résumé or CV you’re including in your application is strong. Here are some . If you’d rather look at adjacent fields, you can gain expertise and accelerate your career by pursuing any of these at top universities. Or, if you’re not yet academically ready to pursue a master’s degree, dive into our .

How to Apply

Before you apply for an online master’s degree in architecture at the schools of your choice, research their various application deadlines, admission requirements and prerequisites, tuition, and scholarship opportunities.

Master of architecture online curriculum

Online master’s in architecture programs are as rigorous as their on-site counterparts, but they also offer a flexibility that on-campus programs don’t: students can access all their resources remotely, and study from wherever they are. Curricula will vary between institutions and will depend on your choice of specialization, such as urban design, interior architecture and design, sustainable design, historic preservation, and infrastructure design. Programs typically follow a structure that combines design, theory, and technical aspects. Required credit hours may vary depending on the program.

According to the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), you can expect your degree to cover the following subjects:

• Career paths

• Design

• Ecological knowledge and responsibility

• History and theory

• Research and innovation

• Leadership and collaboration

• Learning and teaching culture

• Social equity and inclusion

You can at the graduate level, but you can also specialize and , focusing on structures that reflect the environmental, cultural and historical context of their surroundings. You can also and explore what the designs of different structures say about their societies and cultures. Curious about how to make online learning just as efficient as in-person? Explore these .

Master’s of architecture careers

Employment opportunities for those who graduate with master’s degrees in architecture are as diverse as the study of architecture itself, with employment of architects projected to grow 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.type: embedded-entry-inline id: 2FVfeq1FteWWJ5kSpBgkhv Jobs in environmental sustainability, commercial infrastructure, and recreational facilities as well as restoration, urban planning, and furniture or textile design represent and accommodate the diverse interests and qualifications of architecture graduates.

Here are just some of the careers learners can pursue after graduation. Please note, a license may be required in these fields.

• Architect: Plans, designs, and oversees the construction of buildings and structures, combining creativity, technical expertise, and knowledge of safety to create functional and aesthetic spaces.

• Architectural manager: Oversees and coordinates architectural projects, managing design teams, budgets, schedules, and ensuring the successful execution of construction and design projects.

• Building information manager (BIM) manager: Responsible for implementing and managing BIM technology and processes in construction and design projects, ensuring effective collaboration and data integration among project stakeholders.

• Construction manager: Responsible for planning, coordinating, and supervising all aspects of a construction project, including budget, schedule, quality, and on-site activities to ensure successful project completion.

• Developer: Identifies, acquires, and manages real estate properties, overseeing their development or redevelopment, often with the goal of creating profitable assets, such as residential or commercial buildings.

• Energy modeler: Uses specialized software and data to analyze and predict the energy performance of buildings, helping design teams optimize energy efficiency and sustainability in architectural projects.

• Regional planner: Assesses and develops strategies to shape the land use, transportation, and infrastructure of a specific geographic area, aiming to create sustainable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing communities.

• Urban planner: Collaborates with communities and stakeholders to create sustainable, organized, and aesthetically pleasing urban environments by designing land use plans, zoning regulations, and infrastructure projects

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